Texas still permits corporal punishment in public schools unless a parent opts out, and parents may legally use reasonable corporal punishment at home. That said, the law draws important boundaries between “reasonable discipline” and abuse. Schools also face stricter controls, and every district has its own policies.
1. Corporal Punishment in Texas Schools
Texas is one of the few remaining states that still allows corporal punishment in public schools. Under Texas Education Code §37.0011, school districts may use corporal punishment as a disciplinary method unless a parent submits a written opt-out prohibiting its use on their child.
Key points for 2025:
- Corporal punishment is allowed by state law, but not required.
- Each school district decides whether to allow it.
- Parents can opt out in writing, and schools must honor that.
- If opted out, using corporal punishment becomes a violation of policy and may lead to complaints or legal exposure for the district.
- Some districts still use paddles (typically wooden) administered by authorized school staff.
- If a district chooses to use corporal punishment, it must have a clear local policy describing how, when, and by whom it can be administered.
Where it’s still used:
Many rural districts and a few suburban districts continue the practice in 2025, though usage has declined overall as more districts ban it locally.
Important limits:
- Excessive force that causes injury can trigger civil or criminal consequences.
- Schools must follow district procedure (witness present, documentation, and proper reporting).
- Corporal punishment may NOT be used on students whose parents sent formal written objections.
2. Corporal Punishment at Home
Texas law allows parents or guardians to use reasonable corporal punishment to discipline their children. This protection is written into the Texas Penal Code §9.61, which states that a parent may use force — including corporal punishment — if the force is reasonable and meant to discipline the child.
What counts as legal?
- Spanking with a hand
- Limited discipline that does not cause lasting injury
- Reasonable force intended to correct behavior
What crosses the line into abuse?
Anything causing:
- Serious bodily injury
- Bruising, cuts, burns
- Impairment
- Long-term harm
- Use of excessive objects (cords, bats, sticks, belts used with excess force)
If CPS or law enforcement believes the punishment was unreasonable or abusive, the parent may be charged with child abuse or endangerment.
Corporal Punishment by Other Adults
Non-parents (teachers, guardians, caretakers) generally must have:
- Legal authority, or
- Parental permission, before using corporal punishment.
Unauthorized corporal punishment may be treated as assault, even if the parent approves informally. Schools require explicit district-approved authority.
4. Why Corporal Punishment Remains Legal in Texas
Texas historically emphasizes parental rights and local control of schools. Because of this:
- Parents retain broad authority to discipline children.
- Local school boards decide their own discipline policies.
- The Legislature has revisited the issue, but no statewide ban has been passed as of 2025.
Texas is one of about 17 states that still allow school corporal punishment, though usage is gradually declining across the state.
5. What Texans Should Know
For Parents
- You can legally spank your child, but the punishment must be reasonable and not injurious.
- If you do NOT want corporal punishment used on your child at school, you must submit a written opt-out request every year (districts vary).
- Keep copies of all opt-out notices for your records.
For Teachers
- Follow district policy strictly.
- Never administer corporal punishment to a student whose parent opted out.
- Document every incident to protect yourself legally.
For Students
- Students and families may file complaints if corporal punishment exceeds district policy.
- Students with disabilities are often covered by additional protections.
Final Take
In Texas, corporal punishment is still legal both in homes and — with parental opt-out rights — in public schools. Parents may use reasonable physical discipline at home, while schools must follow strict district guidelines and honor written objections. The key word is reasonable: when discipline crosses into abuse or violates school policy, it becomes a legal problem. Texas gives families and school districts broad control, but the law also protects children from excessive or harmful force.
